Global employment is stable but decent jobs are in short supply

According to data collected to date Employment and social trends 2026 a report, The global unemployment rate is expected to remain stable at around 4.9 percent this yearThis equates to about 186 million unemployed people.

The largest area of ​​growth is in poor countries – a reflection of population aging in richer economies, where fewer working-age people are available to enter or stay in work.

Job growth is expected to be 0.5 percent in upper middle-income countries compared to 3.1 percent in low-income countries.

However, working does not necessarily mean getting a good job or a decent wage: Nearly 300 million workers live in extreme povertyHe earns less than $3 a day.

It is expected that approx 2.1 billion people will work in the informal sector this yearwith limited access to social protection, rights at work and job security.

Youth employment is at risk

The report describes the global employment situation of young people in low-income countries as “difficult”: more than a quarter (27.9 percent) do not have access to education, work or training.

Educated young people in high-income countries are not immune from uncertainty: study warns that artificial intelligence and automation may make it harder for them to find work and calls for “close monitoring” of technology.

The gender gap still exists

There is a bit of good news in the report for those fighting for women’s equality in the workplace; The data shows that social norms and stereotypes remain entrenched.

Previous gains have stalled, slowing progress toward gender equality at work Women today are approximately 24 percent less likely to participate in the labor force than men.

Rice biscuit production line, Trang An, Vietnam

Commercial uncertainty

In 2025, the global economy is marked by turmoil in international trade rules and tariff rates, led by the United States.

Trade supports about 465 million workers around the world, more than half of them in Asia and the Pacific, and uncertainty is driving down workers’ wages, especially in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe.

A “coherent and coordinated” response is needed.

In response to the findings contained in the report, International Labor Organization Director-General Gilbert Houngbo called for coordinated action and stronger institutions to promote decent work and social justice, especially in the poorest economies that risk being left behind.

“Unless governments, employers and workers work together to responsibly harness technology and expand good employment opportunities for women and youth – through coherent and coordinated institutional responses – Decent work deficits will persist and social cohesion will be at riskMr. Hongbo said.